Training & Certification
Elixir Aircraft Launches Upgraded Elixir+ Trainer with FAA Certification
Elixir Aircraft expands globally with the Elixir+, featuring increased MTOW and FAA certification, boosting its presence in the US and Europe.
This article is based on official press releases from Elixir Aircraft and summarized industry reporting.
French light aircraft manufacturer Elixir Aircraft is rapidly cementing its position as a major disruptor in the global flight training market. Founded in 2015, the company has leveraged innovative manufacturing techniques to produce fourth-generation, two-seater training aircraft designed to drastically reduce operating and maintenance costs for flight schools.
As of April 2026, the manufacturer has reached significant operational milestones. According to company statistics and data published by Professional Pilot Magazine, Elixir Aircraft now holds an order book exceeding 300 aircraft, with 55 units currently in active operation. This growth is being driven by aggressive expansion into the United States and the continuous rollout of upgraded airframes.
To meet the evolving demands of flight instructors and student pilots, the company recently utilized the AERO Friedrichshafen aviation trade show in Germany to unveil its next-generation trainer, the Elixir+. This launch, alongside a rapidly expanding North American footprint, signals a critical growth phase for the European aerospace firm.
The Elixir+ Unveiled at AERO Friedrichshafen
Technical and Aerodynamic Upgrades
On April 22, 2026, Elixir Aircraft officially introduced the Elixir+, an upgraded iteration of its flagship training aircraft. According to reporting by Aviation Week Network, the new model introduces several critical technical enhancements aimed at improving payload and durability. The Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) has been increased from 630 kg to 700 kg. This upgrade allows operators to comfortably carry two pilots alongside a full fuel load, a frequent operational requirement for extended training flights.
Aerodynamically, the Elixir+ features an extended wingspan, growing from 8.48 meters to 8.94 meters. Company press releases detail that the redesigned wings incorporate new winglets, vortex generators, and updated leading edges to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. Furthermore, the aircraft includes a redesigned fuel pump system to simplify maintenance routines and an evolved nose landing gear engineered to better withstand the hard landings typical of student pilot training.
Launch Customers and Fleet Growth
The market response to the Elixir+ has been immediate. Aviation Week Network reports that Greek flight school Global Aviation became the launch customer, placing a firm order for five Elixir+ aircraft to be based at Ikaros Airport near Athens.
Simultaneously, the company continues to expand its standard European fleet. On April 10, 2026, Omni Aviation Training Center (OATC) in Portugal took delivery of two additional Elixir aircraft, with plans to expand their fleet to seven, according to Professional Pilot Magazine. Earlier in the year, on February 20, 2026, the Andorra Aviation Academy ordered an aircraft for its practical flight training program, with delivery slated for the summer of 2026.
Expanding the Footprint: From France to Florida
U.S. Market Entry and FAA Certification
A pivotal moment for Elixir Aircraft’s global strategy occurred in July 2025 when the aircraft received its FAA Part 23 certification, a milestone announced during EAA AirVenture and documented by Plane + Pilot Magazine. This certification effectively unlocked the lucrative American flight training market.
Following this approval, AFM Aero reported that Cirrus Aviation, a flight school located in Sarasota, Florida, converted its pre-order into a firm commitment for 10 aircraft. The first two units of this order are scheduled for delivery in the spring of 2026.
To support its North American operations, Elixir has established its U.S. headquarters at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ). The company took over a 12,500-square-foot hangar in 2024 for reassembly, deliveries, and spare parts inventory, and is currently acquiring an adjacent 6,000-square-foot facility. Based on company projections, Elixir plans to employ approximately 200 personnel at the Sarasota site by 2027.
Scaling Production to Meet Demand
Fulfilling a backlog of over 300 orders requires substantial industrial scaling. In early 2024, Elixir secured €40 million in development funding to sustain its operations over the next five years, building upon a €13 million French government subsidy announced in June 2023.
To accommodate increased production rates, the company is preparing to open a new 15,000-square-meter (approximately 160,000-square-foot) manufacturing facility at the La Rochelle airport in France. This expanded capacity will be crucial for fulfilling large institutional contracts, such as the June 2025 order from the French Civil Aviation University (ENAC) for 30 aircraft to renew its VFR training fleet.
The Technology Driving the Disruption
Carbon OneShot and Cost Efficiency
At the core of Elixir’s market appeal is its proprietary “Carbon OneShot” manufacturing technology. Derived from competitive sailing, this technique allows the company to mold entire wing and fuselage components from carbon fiber in single, continuous pieces.
By eliminating the need for thousands of rivets and bonded joints found in traditional aluminum airframes, the Carbon OneShot process creates a simplified structure with fewer potential points of failure, resulting in a highly durable airframe with no life limit.
This structural simplicity translates directly to the bottom line for operators. Industry data indicates that the aircraft operates at a highly competitive cost of approximately $50 per flight hour, covering both fuel and maintenance. This economic advantage makes the platform highly attractive to high-volume flight schools.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that Elixir Aircraft is perfectly positioned to capitalize on two major macroeconomic trends in aviation. First, the global pilot shortage has left flight schools desperate for modern, reliable, and economical training aircraft. By offering an operating cost of roughly $50 per hour and a durable composite airframe, Elixir provides a compelling alternative to the aging fleets of Cessna 172s and Piper Archers that currently dominate the training sector.
Second, Elixir’s expansion into Florida highlights a broader trend of innovative European aerospace startups establishing physical footholds in the United States. By investing heavily in the Sarasota facility and adapting their product line, such as reinforcing the landing gear on the Elixir+ based on direct customer feedback, the company is demonstrating a long-term commitment to capturing and retaining North American market share.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Elixir+?
The Elixir+ is an upgraded version of Elixir Aircraft’s two-seater trainer, unveiled in April 2026. It features an increased MTOW of 700 kg, an extended wingspan of 8.94 meters, and reinforced landing gear.
When did Elixir Aircraft receive FAA certification?
The company achieved FAA Part 23 certification for its aircraft in July 2025, allowing it to operate and be sold within the United States.
What is Carbon OneShot technology?
It is a manufacturing process derived from competitive sailing that molds large aircraft components, like the fuselage and wings, out of single pieces of carbon fiber, eliminating the need for traditional rivets and joints.
Where is Elixir Aircraft’s U.S. headquarters?
The company’s North American hub for reassembly, parts, and delivery is located at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Florida.
Photo Credit: Elixir Aircraft
Training & Certification
CAE Adds Four Business Jet Simulators Across the Americas
CAE deploys four full-flight simulators in the Americas for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 amid talent shortage.
Canadian training provider CAE announced the deployment of four additional full-flight simulators across the Americas on October 20, 2026, expanding localized training capacity for high-demand business jets.
Revealed during the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the expansion targets a projected long-term shortage of aviation professionals. In a press release, the company stated the new hardware will support training for the Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer Praetor 600, Pilatus PC-24, and Cessna Citation CJ4.
Expanding localized training capacity
The addition of the four simulators is designed to align CAE’s global training network with growing customer and fleet demand. By placing training hardware closer to where operators require it, the company aims to reduce the need for flight crews to travel long distances for initial and recurrent training.
While the specific cities or training center locations for the four new simulators within the Americas region were not detailed in the October 20 announcement, the deployment fits into a broader strategy of regionalized training hubs.
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of localized access for operators.
“These simulator deployments expand access to high-quality training on the aircraft our customers fly, where they need it, while delivering the quality and experience they expect from CAE. It’s about helping crews stay ready, perform at their best and fly safely.”
Addressing the aviation talent shortage
The business aviation sector is experiencing sustained growth, driving a long-term need for qualified personnel. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the industry will require 102,000 new business aviation professionals worldwide by 2034.
That projection comprises 33,000 new business aviation pilots and 69,000 maintenance technicians. Prévost stated that as business aviation demand grows, the company is strengthening its global training network to meet the evolving needs of operators facing these workforce pressures.
CAE’s decade of business aviation growth
Over the past decade, CAE has nearly doubled its business aviation training capacity. The company’s global business aviation training network now includes more than 130 full-flight simulators.
To support this infrastructure, CAE employs approximately 1,000 instructors worldwide. Together, this network delivers more than 300,000 hours of training annually across both pilot and maintenance disciplines.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to deploy simulators for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 reflects the current delivery mix and utilization rates in the Americas. By distributing simulator capacity regionally rather than centralizing it, training providers are directly addressing operator concerns about crew downtime. In a tight labor market where 33,000 new business aviation pilots are needed over the next decade, minimizing the days crews spend traveling to training events becomes a competitive advantage for both the operators and the training providers they select.
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Bombardier Opens Wichita Training Center in $50M Investment
Bombardier inaugurated its North American Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, training 250 mechanics annually as part of a $50M site expansion.
Bombardier Inc. inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development facility for United States aircraft technicians on October 15, 2026, anchoring an approximately $50 million investment in its Wichita, Kansas, operations.
The North American Learning Center and an expanded wheel and tire shop are designed to address industry-wide skilled labor constraints by internalizing mechanic training and boosting component repair capacity. In a press release issued on October 15, the Canadian manufacturer stated the investment ensures a steady pipeline of qualified personnel to support its growing network of 10 American service centers.
Training infrastructure and capacity
The newly opened North American Learning Center represents a strategic shift for Bombardier in how it prepares its aftermarket workforce. The facility features a retired Bombardier Global 5000 fuselage mounted on jack stands. This setup allows students to practice maintenance procedures on an actual airframe without the risk of damaging a customer aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation International News and the Wichita Business Journal, the center will host two-week training courses for cohorts of up to 40 students. Over the next 12 months, Bombardier expects approximately 250 newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics to pass through the curriculum.
The facility also incorporates dedicated back shops where trainees practice foundational aviation maintenance skills, including sheet metal fabrication, safety wire twisting, and digital manual navigation. Bombardier plans to expand the curriculum in the future to include advanced maintenance training and interior removal and installation courses.
Component repair expansion
Alongside the training center, the $50 million investment funded a significant modernization of the Wichita site’s wheel and tire shop. The upgraded facility is projected to double its throughput from 2,300 units last year to 5,000 units this year.
Once fully ramped up, the expanded shop will have the capacity to service 15,000 wheels and tires annually. This increased Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capability is intended to directly support the company’s distributed service network across the country.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the dual focus of the investment.
“Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations,” Sislian said. “This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth.”
Transitioning the Air Capital footprint
The October 15, 2026, inauguration marks the latest phase in Bombardier’s repositioning of its Wichita footprint. Known historically as the “Air Capital of the World,” the city was the manufacturing home of the Learjet program for six decades.
Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production on February 11, 2021, to focus resources on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families. The final Learjet 75 rolled off the Wichita assembly line on March 28, 2022.
Rather than drawing down its presence following the end of aircraft manufacturing at the site, Bombardier designated the one-million-square-foot facility as its United States headquarters on April 19, 2022. The location also became the base for the newly launched Bombardier Defense division, alongside an existing major service center and flight test center.
Today, Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Kansas out of a total United States workforce of 3,500. The company reports an annual supplier spend of $2.5 billion across the country.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the inauguration alongside Lieutenant Governor David Toland, noted the state’s ongoing relationship with the manufacturer.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” Kelly said.
AirPro News analysis
The aviation aftermarket is currently constrained by a severe shortage of skilled labor. By moving technician training in-house and simultaneously expanding component repair capacity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Bombardier are acknowledging that physical hangar space is no longer the primary bottleneck to aftermarket growth. We view this $50 million investment as a defensive strategy to protect service revenue. If an OEM cannot guarantee a steady supply of qualified mechanics and overhauled components, its expanded service centers cannot operate at capacity. Internalizing the training pipeline reduces reliance on third-party technical schools and ensures new hires are immediately productive on specific airframes like the Global 5000.
Photo Credit: Bombardier Inc.
Training & Certification
FAA Approves First US G600 G700 Convertible Simulator
FAA certifies FlightSafety International’s Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible Level D simulator in Long Beach, CA.
The FAA has approved FlightSafety International’s new Gulfstream G600 and G700 convertible Level D Full-Flight Simulator, establishing the first dual-configuration training device for the aircraft types in the United States.
Announced in a company press release on October 1, 2026, the approval allows the training provider to serve operators of both the Gulfstream GVII and GVIII platforms from a single device at its Long Beach, California, facility. The certification addresses a growing domestic requirement for pilot training capacity as the G700 fleet expands.
Expanding domestic training capacity
The new simulator was engineered and manufactured at FlightSafety International’s facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, before installation at the Long Beach Learning Center. The convertible design allows the device to switch between G600 and G700 configurations, optimizing scheduling for type-rated pilots.
Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International, stated that the new convertible simulator reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions.
“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” Carter said.
The Long Beach approval follows a similar certification in Asia. In August 2026, the FAA certified the company’s other G600 and G700 convertible device in Singapore for G600 training, which currently serves regional operators.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Long Beach device is certified as a Level D Full-Flight Simulator, the highest level of flight simulator qualification, requiring a comprehensive aerodynamic model and a full motion platform.
The simulator is equipped with the company’s proprietary VITAL 1150 image generator and a 42-inch electric motion base. The system supports advanced training requirements, specifically including steep approach operations for the G600.
Gulfstream fleet expansion and training demand
The introduction of the convertible simulator aligns with the operational growth of Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range business jet portfolio. The G600 entered service in August 2019, establishing a mature operator base requiring recurrent training.
Demand for G700 training is currently accelerating following the aircraft’s recent entry into service. The FAA granted type certification for the G700 on March 29, 2024, and Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries on April 23, 2024.
FlightSafety International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996, is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company provides training to aviation professionals from more than 170 countries and operates one of the largest global fleets of advanced flight simulators.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of convertible simulators as a necessary capital efficiency strategy for training providers managing the transition between aircraft generations. Because the G700 fleet is still in its early delivery phase, a dedicated G700 simulator might experience lower utilization rates in the near term. By combining GVII and GVIII configurations into a single Level D device, FlightSafety International can maintain high utilization through the established G600 market while simultaneously absorbing the growing wave of initial type-rating demand for the G700.
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International
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